Discount and Free Days
Browse the full range of access opportunities, from Illinois Resident Free Days to discounts for teachers, students and seniors!
Illinois Resident Free Days
Illinois residents enjoy FREE admission to Shedd Aquarium on select free days throughout the year! Tickets can be reserved online.
Museums for All
As a Museums for All partner, Shedd offers daily free and discounted admission to eligible low-income families (up to four passes per family).
“We make connections with aquatic life so our community will see the lakes, rivers and oceans of the globe in a different way. And we believe everyone should have the opportunity to look nature in the eye. ”
Bridget C. Coughlin, President and CEO
Community Discounts
Educators
Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin can receive a complimentary Shedd ticket by registering online. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D Experience.
If you’re outside our four-state area but would still like to learn more about sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world, you can receive a $3 on-site discount on your Shedd ticket by showing a valid school ID or current paystub.
Students
Students (age 12+) with a valid school ID receive a $3 on-site discount on their general admission every day except Illinois Resident Free Days. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts and is not available for child admission tickets (age 3-11).
Active-duty U.S. military personnel
Active-duty U.S. military personnel receive free general admission with proper ID. 4-D Experience tickets can be added on site. Please note that dependents and family are not included in this offer.
U.S. military veterans
U.S. military veterans receive free general admission on Veterans Day weekend, Saturday, November 9th - Monday, November 11th. This offer is only for veterans or retired U.S. military and is not applicable to dependents. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Click here to explore accessibility tools to enhance your visit..
Chicago police officers and firefighters
Chicago police officers and firefighters receive free on-site general admission with proper ID. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D Experience.
Senior citizens
Senior citizens (65 years and older) receive a $3 on-site discount on their general admission every day except Illinois Resident Free Days. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Click here to explore accessibility tools to enhance your visit.
Kids Museum Passports
A Kids Museum Passport is good for free on-site admission for children and adults. Find them at Chicago Public Library branches. Passes should be presented in the general admission line.
Corporate members
General admission tickets are now the standard ticket offering for all our guests—including corporate partners’ employees. As a supporter of Shedd, your employees will receive complimentary admission to the aquarium’s permanent exhibits, including Stingray Touch, and first-come, first-served tickets to the animal presentation ($39.95 value). See the current corporate member details.
Bank of America Museums on Us program
All visitors who present an active Bank of America®, Merrill ® (formerly Merrill Lynch®) or Bank of America Private Bank® (formerly U.S. Trust®) branded debit or credit card - physical or electronic/digital card - and an active, valid photo ID shall receive one free general admission to Shedd during the program dates listed below.
2020 Bank of America's Museums on Us Sundays:
• Sunday, February 2
• Sunday, March 8
• Sunday, April 5
• Sunday, May 3
• Sunday, September 6
• Sunday, October 4
• Sunday, November 8
• Sunday, December 6
Admission benefits are not transferable and are valid for the cardholder only. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D Experience.